TOKYO, Nov. 10, 2017 – Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology (Tokyo Tech) and McGill University have developed a new dye-free photoalignment method that enables 2D patterns of liquid crystals in one step by guiding nonpolarized light temporally and spatially on the photopolymerization process. This new method provides a pathway for the simple creation of highly functional organic materials such as flexible liquid crystal devices.

Researchers Discover a Novel Layered Superconductor Based on Tin and Arsenic

The layered superconducting material is characterized by a crystal structure in which a SnAs layer (wherein Sn and As are two-dimensionally bonded to develop superconductivity) and a Na layer (the spacer layer) are alternately laminated. Considering that such a layered structure is similar to that of a cuprate- or iron-based high-temperature (high-Tc) superconductor, it is possible that in SnAs-based layered materials, superconductivity is developed as a result of the unconventional pairing mechanism.

The research group of Yoshikazu MIZUGUCHI (Associate Professor) and Yosuke GOTO (Project Researcher) specializes in the discovery of two-dimensional layered structures–various materials can be designed by laminating different kinds of layers. As an example, in 2012, this research group also reported the discovery of novel layered superconducting material systems, Bi4O4S3 and LaO1-xFxBiS2, based on bismuth (Bi) and sulfur (S). To add, as the two-dimensional crystal structure gives rise to a low-dimensional electronic state, researchers are actively studying unique quantum phenomena such as high-temperature superconductivity.

The scientists of Tokyo Metropolitan University are always working on the creation and theoretical clarification of new superconducting materials. Yosuke Goto, Project Researcher (left), and Associate Professor Yoshikazu Mizuguchi discovered that SnAs-based layered compounds develop superconductivity. Credit: Yoshikazu Mizuguchi

Regarding NaSn2As2, Mizuguchi asserts that although the transition temperature of 1.3 K (-271.85°C) is not exactly high, it is anticipated that new materials will be developed based on the SnAs conductive layer, thereby clarifying the mechanisms underlying the increase of the transition temperature as well as those responsible for high-transition-temperature superconductivity.

At Tokyo Metropolitan University, the Research Center for Superconductivity Science and Engineering represented by Professor Takashi HOTTA was established in 2016; Yoshikazu MIZUGUCHI is a faculty member in the Research Center. One of the major objectives of this Research Center is to become a hub of superconductivity research in Japan; it aims to achieve this by promoting the discovery of new quantum critical phenomena, particularly superconductivity, by preparing pure single crystals, measuring their physical properties using state-of-the-art experimental methods, and promoting theoretical researches on exotic superconductivity.

This study was supported by Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, and by the Japan Science and Technology Agency. The manuscript reporting this finding has been published online in the Physical Society of Japan’s Journal of the Physical Society of Japan.

London, New York and Tokyo Remain the World’s Most Attractive Cities

TOKYO – London, New York, and Tokyo were again named as the most comprehensively attractive cities in the Global Power City Index (GPCI) 2017 report published today by The Mori Memorial Foundation’s Institute for Urban Strategies, a research institute established by Mori Building, a leading urban developer in Tokyo.

Launch of Japan’s First Microgrid System with a Total of 117 Homes

Selected in 2017 for METI’s subsidy program to promote local energy production for local consumption by leveraging regional characteristics

HYOGO, Japan — PanaHome Corporation, ENERES Co., Ltd, IBJ Leasing Co., Ltd. and the Public Enterprises Agency of the Hyogo Prefectural Government plan to embark on the urban development of a microgrid system (a regional energy distribution management system) (*1) starting October 2017.

KYOCERA Begins Research in AI-based Image Recognition to Help Diagnose Skin Diseases and Cancers via Smartphone

KYOTO, Japan — Kyocera Corporation announced today that its subsidiary, Kyocera Communication Systems Co., Ltd. (hereafter “KCCS”), has started joint research with the University of Tsukuba to develop an Artificial Intelligence (AI) system capable of detecting melanoma and other skin diseases by analyzing digital images of a patient’s skin. The team aims to commercialize the technology by 2020.

Top 10 Japan’s companies list from chemical industries in 2017

In Japan, 860,000 people work in chemical industry field, and shipment value related to chemical industry is about 40 trillion yen (about 14% of all manufacturing industries). The added value is about 15 trillion yen (about 17% of all manufacturing industries). That is the second largest value added value of transportation machinery & equipment manufacturing industry. The chemical industry is Japan’s basic industry that supplies essential materials for various fields such as automobiles and electronic equipment.

The rebirth of Japan Inc.

Prime Minister Abe is pushing forward policies in an effort to open up the country’s economy to the global market. Japan Inc. is following suit with an aggressive strategy to go global through M&As and strategic partnership and by diversifying their business portfolios

Granola Boom Proves Japan’s Working Women Are Good for Business

Calbee Inc.‘s granola snack had been around for 20 years, with no real change to its recipe or sales. Then a female marketing executive turned things around by pitching the cereal as a time-saver for a growing class of Japanese consumers just like her: working mothers.

Could a green tea extract help to treat tooth sensitivity?

Available treatments for tooth sensitivity are lacking in a number of ways, such as being ineffective and predisposing patients to bacteria and cavities. But researchers have now developed a new material to better protect sensitive teeth, using green tea polyphenols.

Green tea compound could help treat Down syndrome

A compound found in green tea has shown promise for the treatment of Down syndrome, according to a new study published in The Lancet Neurology.

Study co-leader Dr. Mara Dierssen, of the Centre for Genomic Regulation (CRG) in Barcelona, Spain, and colleagues reveal how the compound epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) improved the cognitive function of individuals with the condition.

CG Woman Selling Beer In A Japanese Supermarket

If you’ve ever been to a supermarket in Japan, you’ll know that throughout the store, there are people offering free samples and prompting various products. They are real flesh and blood humans. This Asahi beer salesperson is not.

Nikon proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary on July 25, 2017

Founded in 1917, Nikon began as a manufacturer of precision optical glass.

In 1925, the company expanded into optical instruments, introducing the world’s first microscope with a revolving nosepiece and interchangeable objectives — JOICO. Since then, Nikon microscopes have helped to advance science and technology all over the world, such as playing a key role in recent Nobel Prize winning stem cell discoveries.

Miso is produced by fermenting soybean, rice, barley, or other ingredients with fungus Aspergillus oryzae and salt. It is a traditional seasoning in Japan used for miso soup, pickling vegetables or meats, and sauces and spreads. Miso is high in minerals, vitamins, and protein, therefore it is a preference food for health consciousness people.

To Lure Wine Lovers, Sake Makers Learn It’s All About Rice

Brewery executive Kosuke Kuji brought his best sake to a New York booze showcase 16 years ago hoping to promote high-end Japanese rice wine to a new generation of sophisticated foreign drinkers. They were a little disappointed.

Matcha a healthy choice: Drink this Japanese tea as it improves mood, memory and concentration

Given that matcha is high in antioxidants, enhances calmness, boosts memory and concentration, increases energy levels and endurance, helps to burn calories and detoxifies the human body, improve cholesterol levels and more, it is fast making its way as an ingredient of significance.

The first capsule hotel in the world opened in Osaka, Japan in 1979. Since then, capsule hotels have not only spread to across the country but around the world. Here are some of the coolest-looking ones that aren’t in Japan.

Global Matcha Tea Market 2017-2022:

Global Matcha Tea market Report offers decisive insights into the overall Matcha Tea industry along with the market dimensions and evaluation for the duration 2017 to 2022. The forenamed research study covers extensive analysis of various Matcha Tea industry segments based on the type of applications, type of product Components and services, and different geographical regions.